(transitive,law) to formally demand (that someone do or refrain from doing something), generally with a threat of litigation if the demand is not complied with; to send a formal demand letter (mise en demeure) to; to give notice of a legal obligation, time limit, etc., so that unawareness of it cannot be alleged
La vedette a mis le chroniqueur en demeure de retirer ses propos à son égard.
The star formally demanded that the columnist retract his comments about her.
